To quote the book description on Amazon; "instead of traditional instructions, she (Sherri Lynn Wood) presents 10 frameworks (or scores) that create a guiding, but not limiting, structure." All of the testers received one of the 10 scores.

When I received the "Bias Petal" score...a little panic ensued. Why, you might ask? Well, did the improv part unnerve me? No, not in the least, as I have been having my own love affair with improv quilting for some time now. What about the curved piecing or bias strips?? No, not really, curved piecing and I are old friends. What was it then?? The word PETAL...yes, the word PETAL!! Nothing personal...but, but, but I don't do flowery petal type things!!!! Yup....that knocked me right out of my comfort zone, which is probably a good thing.

I needed several bias strips and as usual got a little carried away.

I cut meters upon meters of bias strips (after all, I wanted variety). I still have plenty of those strips sitting around for more projects.

Whenever working with fabric cut on the bias....bubbles and puckers can be a problem. But Sherry Lynn has plenty of tips to combat those pesky bubbles. My secret weapon is spray starch!!!!

I made several petals...and just kept putting up on my black design wall. I used several gradient type fabrics and mostly solids or tone on tone fabrics.

I decided to shatter the petals...somewhere along the way, I stopped thinking of them as petals. I shattered them by slicing through the petals (using my rotary cutter) and shifting them a little and sewing them back together.

The shattering and shifting....created a fairly different effect.

I took one look at the design wall and the question that kept running through my head was....how in the world am I going to put this all together, into one piece??? I was determined to do it all by machine....no hand sewing whatsoever.

As you can see, I started by quilting sections, with no idea where I was going. And of course, I tossed in a little QAYG (Quilt as you Go) for good measure.

Shifting Impressions....Quilt Con 2015

(and yes, we both made it to Quilt Con!!)

﻿

﻿

As an added bonus, I had the pleasure of taking a workshop with Sherry Lynn (Quilt Con 2015).

The score here was "Floating Squares", but that would be another blog post. My major problem here was limiting myself to so few fabrics....it wasn't long before I was sneaking in a few more in. Hey, that is what improv is all about, right?Sherri Lynn's publishers are generously giving awayone free copy of Sherri Lynn'sfabulous book. Just leave me a comment about your experience or lack of experience regarding improv type quilting by July 15. I would love to hear your thoughts.Note: the book give away is open for residents of Canada and the United States only. Also, please make sure your email info is available, with your comment should you be a no-reply commenter.

I already own her book and love it - seeing your interpretation of petals, and following your process here is a perfect complement to the book! I just love your use of graduated fabrics and the shatter -- genius! Thank you for sharing this and thanks to SL for connecting her readers with your experience.

I have some experience with improv piecing, but my way is just grab pieces and sew them together (doesn't matter if they are not the same size=sew then trim) Then I cut them into blocks. Sherri Lynn's frameworks would certainly add a new dimension to my improv quilting.

Had the opportunity to see your great quilt at QuiltCon. Thanks for the great giveaway...I would love to win a copy of the book. I have tried improv a few times, but would love to attempt it with "scores."

Yes, spray starch is my weapon of choice when doing curves or most piecing now-a-days! I just love this quilt, you are amazing! I love improv! A little idea and a lot of cutting can create some interesting pieces! It is always such a pleasure seeing your work! ...drool...

All my friends laugh at me when I say I want to do improv - it is my type A personality - everything must be perfect and precise...whidh is why I want to dive into the improv pool, I need to break free....it sounds like this book is exactly what I need to et started - I so enjoy your work.

Your work and Sherry's message resonate with me: The colors, the imperfection.... Life! I have sewn and improvised clothing, but have just joined a quilting guild and an art quilting guild (SAQA) and signed up for a workshop by Rayna Gillman. I am ready to quilt and I would love to win that book.

I so admire this quilt, the improv piecing, the colors, the concentric circle quilting...Love your style. Please say you will teach a workshop on your QAYG method here in Victoria soon!! I appreciate the opportunity to own this book...please pick me. g.dunn@shaw.ca

I love your blog and have been following for some time. I have been inspired by some of your work and have used it as a starting point for a few projects. To answer your question: What I enjoy about improv is the ability to begin with an idea and see where that idea leads. The process is fun and very rewarding when I end up with something new and fresh. Thanks for the great opportunity to win the book.

So cool - I heard your voice as I read this! Love the quilt Marianne. You make such excellent work. And I would love to see the book to see which bias petal quilt chosen for publication. Happy Canada day!

After being in our new-to-us home for almost 2 years, the quilt room is done and I'm ready to finally unpack my sewing machine. Looking forward to finding the freedom of improvisation and eager to get my creativity on!

I took my first class in what is now called Improv quilting (I called it 'jazz piecing' back then:) in 1991. We could use a straight edge with a rotary cutter (but not measure) or scissors by hand to cut the fabrics .. I made an improv beach scene that I still love quite a bit. I truly enjoy improv piecing ... and have been considering doing curves like your 'petals' for a while now.

I pretty much have only done improv quilting. I have followed one pattern and adapted another but other than that I have just been making stuff up. But I would really love to have more ideas about how to make stuff up and mOre tips for helping it come out as want it to,

I've only just gotten my tippy toes wet in improv quilt-making. I used it as a background for applique. I think if I played more with fabric (before cutting) it might inspire me more, and free me from thinking too much!

Your contribution to this book looks amazing and the book is on my wish list at Amazon. It would be great to be able to have this book more of the technique of improv quilting. Your quilts are so inspiring!

Oh I just love the colors they are bright and cheerful and your own creativity shines through. That is what I like about improv quilting. I have yet to try it but I will one of these days...I cannot help but thinking how freeing this quilting can be...congratulations on your beautiful quilt

Your quilts and process have always impressed me and YES, I do use improv piecing when I get started on all of my new quilts. Inspired by the playful way that new designs emerge, I love the spontaneity and fun of the surprises that happen This new book will undoubtedly be more inspiration and I would be happy to add it to our Textile Design Program Library at St. Lawrence College.Thanks for sharing and I will always be watching for new ideas and you have soooo many!Bethany

Re Improv quilting: I have heard lectures, read blogs, watched tutorials and admired the improv work of others. I have bought a sewing machine foot that practically guarantees perfect curved piecing. I have stacked the fabric I would use for improv (borrowing from your love of gradiated and shot cotton fabrics) . I have done everything but actually DO it. Why? Because I'm chicken! I'm afraid I will ruin some perfectly lovely fabric. I have learned through this "mental block" that I feel the need to control my sewing and quilting, and this need for control is the poison of creativity. Maybe this book (and your wonderfut tutes) will be the key to unlocking me and freeing me to take the plunge.

I have no experience in improv quilting but I really need to try it. I love your design. In fact I love all your designs. I love modern quilting! Thank you for the give away. This book looks like something right up my alley!

Looks terrific! Life is so much easier using gradient fabrics isn't it? I was dyeing my own and it is sooo much work. I think your process would be much more enjoyable and easier too! Well, I live and learn! Thanks for the post.

What an interesting blog post ~ ~ you sold me on Improv and QAYG a couple of years ago and I have been having so much fun. I tried an Improv with curves project a few months ago and love the finished product but the process was a serious brain stretch. Now I want to try yours and Sherry's approach. This might work better for me. The book would be a great win ~ ~ but I'm glad to buy it too.

I have tried improv a few times and ended up with some individual blocks, would love to take a class to really get some hands on instruction on it as I'm just playing around and have only finished one project. Love your curvy quilt!

I've done a little improv - or liberated - piecing, mainly when learning from Gwen Marston. But I'm not terribly good at breaking free from using a pattern and letting go; even though I really love improv and want to do it!

Welcome back! I've done a couple of improve pieces with Jean Wells and need to get back to the quilt that I planned in one of her classes man years ago. I've got the fabric and the techniques. Just need to start.

Been following you for a long time silently. I have always been an improv quilter since I learned that I cannot follow instructions. I agree that bias strips work very well for curved piecing. I would love to have the book and see what new thing I can try.

Been following you for a long time silently. I have always been an improv quilter since I learned that I cannot follow instructions. I agree that bias strips work very well for curved piecing. I would love to have the book and see what new thing I can try.

Hi Marianne. Great job with the petal improv. The fractured technique adds so much energy to your piece. Also like how you combined a little QAYG to your quilt. Thank for sharing your process. My Blog Hop post comes out July 8. Hope you can hop by. --Veronica

Like Janis, oretty much everything I do is improv from design to finish! Which is the way I like it. But I have yet to try QAYG, believe it or not. When I am ready to take this on, I aill definitely be using your tutorials because I am such a fan of your style!

I was originally drawn to quilting because I adored the crazy quilts of long ago, made from velvet and left-over dress fabrics. And yet, I've never made a crazy quilt, which is akin to Improv quilts. Maybe it's high time to learn!

I am a rank beginner with improv quilting, and could use all the help I can get. I get the willies, just trying to not match my points. Took me 3 days and 7 or 8 attempts to make a wonky 9 patch block. Those petals could push me over the edge. LOL I do hope I win this giveaway. This old quilter would love to learn a new trick.

I've been QAYG gal for quite sometime and your blog really showed me the various ways one can do art and quilt as you go. This book looks very inviting to me and would love to win it, thanks for hosting a review for us.carlithequilter@gmail.com

I love improv quilting. I always think it is going to be the quicker, easier choice, and end up laughing at myself because inevitably it turns out to take much longer and be harder--but always more fun, more satisfying, and more challenging all the way through. I just love it.

I seriously love your quilt. My very first quilt around 4 years ago was QAYG and I haven't done another. I want to though. I have become completely addicted to making quilts ever since. ( i've made over 40) . I hate following patterns and just make up as I go. I love improv but haven't done as much as I would like because I find it hard making blocks fit together. I think Sherri's book is exactly what I need and would help with that. I have a couple of books but hers intrigues me especially her improv curves. I have just started sewing curves this year. My family think I'm a little crazy (obsessed ) about quilting. ;-) I love your blog.

I would love the book, as I love improv quilts, but I'm a little chicken. What would be even better are several days in your studio with you! You can reach me at nancyklatt 8 at gmail dot com. Thank you for being so generous with your tutorials.

As a fairly new quilter my "style" is still evolving. I am also a type A so departing from a very precise design is challenging; however, I never thought I could do scrappy but I can & love it! I will try improv quilting at some point. I certainly admire the improv designs & quilts of others such as you! Your web site is full of eye candy & your improv petals is no exception. Than you for all the inspiration, tutorials, & sharing. Would love to win this book as I do not have any improv books in my library. I must remedy this situation :) Thank you for the opportunity.

Haha, "Petals" is the part of that score that worried me the most too. I'm a big fan of improv, and I think it helps that as a new quilter, one of my first few classes was with Sheri Lynn Wood. Thanks for sharing more about your process here! It's so interesting to hear how other people work their quilts out. I do tend to fall more on the "improv with a plan" side - I like to have an idea where I'm going, then improvise to get there. Your process is more improvising the whole time, and you end up with really dynamic results!

Your original post on this quilt is what made me buy the book. Improv is really the only quilting I like so I was thrilled to learn some new techniques. I'm still working towards curves but I love the freedom to play.

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I try to respond to all of your wonderful comments....if you are not getting any response from me it's because you are set up as a no-reply blogger. In order to receive a response you can change your status in your blogger profile. I'm no longer accepting anonymous comments.

LinkWithin

Life is a Quilt Waiting to Happen

Montreal 2010

I See Quilts

Whether it be the birth of a new baby, the loss of a loved one, a spectacular sunset or the way the light hits the glass of a beautiful building....life is a quilt waiting to happen. This is about my quilt journey...I would love to hear about yours, your comments are most welcome.

Please ask me, if you would like to use any of my pictures.....I'll probably say yes or at least link back to me if you do. I'll give you the same courtesy.

Find me on Instagram

Find me on Flickr

About Me

Mom of two amazing sons and two wonderful daughters and grandmother of three beautiful little girls and one adorable little boy. Married to a saint of a man who really doesn't want to know what goes on "down there".